RELEASED FROM THE CAGE
- LITHIA -
"You seem to visit this camp a lot. Don't you think so, Your Majesty? Do you like the sight of it?" I chuckle as soon as Vien finally noticed my presence. She was too focus on training the knights. Well, that's the palace's General for you.
"I'm just wondering why my sister like the sight of the sword." I'm just sparing my time, but I heard the sword clicking. I never thought that my feet will brought me in this camp.
"Her Majesty isn't just merely attracted to the sight of a sword. She like the thrills and bloodbaths that's tinted on the blade." Alas, I can't argue with that as it's entirely correct. My sister wouldn't hesitate to kill or even cut someone's tongue.
Perhaps I was just enraged at that moment.
"If you have some spare time, can you escort me to the garden?" She took a quick glance to my maids as she return her gaze towards me. Her eyes were like 'Let the maid escort you, Lady Lithia'.
"I have some matters to talk with you. I can't talk to anyone in here rather than you. I believe it's your resting time, isn't it?" I asked while standing up, looking at the knights who's starting to change their clothes.
If Lithia's in my position, she'll make sure they can never wear their upper clothes again. This knights will be walk in the capital, naked. Vien sighs as a sign of defeat. She's devoted to her responsibility so she can exceeds my sister's expectation.
But I guess nothing can ever pleased her.
We walked straight ahead to the garden where a little cottage was constructed, not a long time ago. Roses and vines were creeping up to the pillars as the roof was partly circular. "Could you provide us some refreshments? I also want to eat parfait." I asked as one of my maid bows as she leave.
"You're too lonely for a royalty. Don't you like to attend gatherings?" It's easy to say, but too complicated.
"I only have my maids, Vien. I don't really have someone to escort me. I'm not as confident as my sister. As I'm quite naïve and easy to fool with." I said while letting out a little laugh. I didn't lie nor want her to sympathize me. After all, Helvetica's assumptions were never wrong as I'm that kind of woman.
I don't even know why I forgive too much to the fact that I'm already hurting. You know what I mean? One simple sorry and you'll be forgiven instantly. Perhaps, I was just built in that way.
"You're underestimating your capabilities, Lady Lithia." Look at her, trying to cheer me up with those words. "I think you're a princess with a bright future along with your sister." On the other hand, Parfait's and tea were placed on the table as we continue our conversation.
"I'm not underestimating myself, perhaps, I'm just stating pure facts." It's been a while since I talk to a person this much. I usually keep it to myself as I know that some of my maids' are troubles.
"I think Lady Lithia is a person that has a wide perspective with a soft heart. But who can blame you? That's what makes you a human." A human, she says. After all this time, I'm just living up to my father's expectation on me.
"I admire General Vien as you seem to have a really strong personality for a woman." She stirs her tea as she looks at the fountain in the middle of the garden.
"I also have a soft spot, just like you. I can't even sway Her Majesty by my skills as it wasn't enough for her so I'm trying to be the best version of myself for myself. And not for her." She return her gaze to me as she examines my face wearing her smiling expression.
"Can't you see that you're stunning Your Majesty? Your golden hair and your eyes.. Aren't you supposed to stand up with confidence? Learn to be the best version of yourself." Easy for her to say. I can't just wake up one day, being a villain like Helvetica. That's not how I was built.
"I also have to meet my future fiancé soon." I said while sighing. I'm afraid that father will bring such bother to me in the future. "There's no need to rush if you're not ready. Just reject all of your suitors and tell them you're not ready yet."
"Choose where you can be happy. That's the meaning of marriage, Lady Lithia. Don't follow the flow of the Imperial custom. It will benefit you nothing. The only benefit you'll ever get is a fiancé who's just also bound by a contract." Happiness is not something that can be achieve in a snap.
As Happiness defines a thousand of phrases, expressions, and words. "How about you?" I asked her as I stop stirring my tea.
"Are you satisfied for what you have right now?"
"I owed everything to your sister, Your Highness. That's why I'm willing to win any battles for the Empire. My goal is to be invinsible and to exceeds Her Majesty's expectation." She really admires my sister, I could see that. After all, political marriage is extremely crucial for all nobles and royalties.
Perhaps, I should take her suggestion and choose my own path. In this time, this'll be all about me. "You must've forgotten, that I'm also your princess. You also need to impressed me." She let out a little chuckle as she sips her tea.
"I'm afraid I'm not much of an entertainer, but if you wished to have a moment with me like this again, then I wouldn't mind." I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks as I looked at her.
"I just thought that it's good to talk for a while and since you're the only one I've encountered, you might as well spare some time to talk to me!" She raised her hand as she stands up.
"WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!" She leaves her chair as she picks a flower from the bush. "A sunflower for the princess." She said as she sticks it to my hair.
"HA. HA, funny! I'm being serious in here, Vien!" Really? A sunflower?
"Sometimes, you have to loose yourself for a while, Princess. Don't grow up too much that you'll forget what life really means. We're still young. Let's live and enjoy ourselves, shall we?" She offers her hand while she bows slightly.
As soon as I take her hand, it feels like I was released on a cage that I've been living for many years.
Her hands are warm. Her stares are mild and her smile is contagious..
I'm afraid, I might get addicted to it.